Raydia: first date (Rayla is super nervous) <3
Here you go, Anon! Hope you enjoy!! đ
Rayla was nervous as she approached the log on which Claudia sat immersed in a book. Incredibly nervous. When she was just a foot away from the other girl, she froze in her spot.
What if she says no? What if she laughs at me? What if she doesnât want to because Iâm an elf?
These and a hundred other maybeâs and what-ifâs raced through her mind as she stood there. Just as she had decided that she couldnât do it and turned away, she saw Callum peeking out at her through a bush. He stuck a thumb up in the air and mouthed,
A new surge of determination filled Rayla. She nodded, then turned back around and lightly tapped Claudia on the shoulder.
The other girl seemed to jump at being disturbed, but closed her book and turned her attention to Rayla.
âYes?â She spoke with a friendly smile and a light tone.
As soon as those bright green eyes fell on her, Rayla felt her face turn red faster than a blood moon. She cleared her throat awkwardly.
âI⊠well, I was wondering if maybe you would like to go and watch the stars later tonight? We could bring food and, I dunno, make a picnic out of it?â
Her heart was pounding violently as she spoke, and she alternated between staring at the ground and just over Claudiaâs right shoulder as she spoke.
Claudiaâs smile grew wider and brighter, and Rayla was convinced that her smile held more light than the moon at its fullest. She watched as the other girl stood up, brushed herself down and then turned to face her.
âThatâs an amazing idea! Oh, I can bring the food? Iâm something of a chef myself.â She finished her brag off with a cocky wink.
Rayla would have made some dig about dark magic, but she really didnât want to push her luck.
âGreat. So, should we meet here at dusk?â
Claudia lent in towards her suddenly, the faintest hint of colour visible in her pale cheeks.
âHere at dusk. Itâs a date.â
With that, Claudia sauntered off. An excited grin on her face as she did so.
Rayla was left with a heart that was in danger of bursting through her chest and a single sentence that had consumed her thoughts. Itâs a date.
At dusk, Rayla was pacing the clearing floor and practicing what she would say.
âHey, Claudia!⊠no, too enthusiastic,â
Pace. Pause. âYo, Claudia⊠no, too cold,â
Pace. Pace. Pause. She buried her face in her hands.
âI sound like an idiot.â She sighed and slowly dragged her hands away from her face. Her gaze drifted upwards through the tips of the trees.
The last trickles of sunlight were slowly fading, and as they disappeared the sky took on a darker hue, oranges darkening and rich purples swirling through the dim light.
A moment passed. Then two. Then three.
What if she isnât coming? Rayla looked around and listened carefully.
She resumed her pacing as disappointment and shame flooded her.
Sheâs decided not to come. I knew I shouldnât have asked-
The sound of a twig snapping drew her attention.
She turned just in time to see Claudia stepping through the branches. She was radiant in the evening light. In her left hand a small basket was being gently swung. But Rayla barely registered it.
âHey, Rayla!â Claudia called as she approached.
âReady for our date?â Claudiaâs tone was playful as she asked.
How can she use that word so calmly?!
Rayla swallowed hard and nodded with a smile. âDefinitely⊠I even have a hill picked out.â
The other girlâs smile widened and her face seemed to light up with it. âWell, letâs go there!â
âRight. Of course. Uh, this way.â She took shaky steps forward, and Claudia kept pace with her as she walked.
They talked occasionally, but Claudia did most of it. The moon moths in Raylaâs stomach made it almost impossible for her to.
Iâm being stupid. And awkward.
She stopped in her tracks and Claudia gave her a curious look.
âNo. Claudia, Iâm sorry. Iâve made this awkward by being so nervous and you deserve a better date than traipsing through the woods with me acting like a dope.â She states at the ground as she spoke, and her heart was racing faster than she ever thought possible.
Claudia let out a short laugh. âNervous? Why are you nervous? Itâs just a date.â
Rayla looked at her cautiously, and the expression on her face was enough for Claudiaâs amused expression to drop.
âOh⊠youâve never-â
Rayla cut her off with a burning face. âItâs not just that!â
Claudia was confused, it was written all over her face. But she stayed silent for Rayla to continue.
âIt's⊠I didnât even expect you to say yes because, because youâre you and why would you ever want to go on a date with someone like me?â
Claudia approached her slowly. âWell⊠Iâm glad you asked me out. And Iâm glad I said yes.â
Raylaâs heart almost stopped as she processed what Claudia had said.
She leaned in towards Rayla as she spoke and pressed a delicate kiss to her burning cheek. When she pulled away, Rayla could see that Claudiaâs own cheeks were lightly dusted with red.
As she moved to put her hand to her cheek to make sure that was real, it was grabbed midair by Claudia. She let their hands drop together before grinning at the elf.
âCome on. The nightâs still young!â
